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History of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Service Award

In 1996, the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and the Air Force approved the establishment of the Zachary and Elizabeth Award for Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Service.

The award was named in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, both of whom had contributed extensively to the support and welfare of members of the U. S. Armed Forces and their families. The inaugural Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award was presented to the Fishers at the Army-Navy football game in December, 1996.

The Army, acting as executive agent, published a joint service regulation in 1998, establishing the award as a multi-service recognition to be given to an individual or organization demonstrating exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concern for members of the Armed Forces or their families. The recipient must exemplify Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher’s personal qualities of patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication to improving the quality of life of members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Award consists of a large commemorative trophy with the annual recipient’s name engraved on brass plates. This trophy remains on display in the Pentagon and is removed only for the annual presentation ceremony. Medallions and lapel pins are presented to each annual recipient.

Previous recipients of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award have been as follows: